December Archives

December 1

2 Corinthians 2:5 to 6:18

Loving Father, this reading is saturated with grace. These words of grace are both implicit and explicit. Is it not the same in all of this life? Father, I am so encouraged to be reminded of my heavenly dwelling and to know that it will never perish like the temporary dwelling – the tent I now occupy. This fills my head with thoughts of camping trips in my past and tents that I would use for a few years or less before I finally had to throw them away. In one sense this body I live in is just a throw-away dwelling. That doesn’t mean that I should not glorify You in this body. I should care for it and help it to last as long as You intend. But I should always remember that its immediate destiny is to return to dust, even though its ultimate destiny is to be raised imperishable. What glory You have shared, my Father in heaven! And since I know my past, and even current failures, I know the magnitude (at least in my case) of Your immeasurable, matchless grace. Amen.

December 2

2 Corinthians 7:1 to 11:15

Father, how glorious You are and how wonderfully complete Your Word is. The reading today brings some of the richest, most quotable passages in Your Word. And yet, I think a very important intent in the reading today is Your intent to teach people how to be gracious when dealing with difficult topics or difficult people. The subjects include giving, repentance, doctrine, false apostles, and proper conduct to true messengers of God. Father, the prayer that is most prompted on this day from this reading is that You would guard my heart, and my mouth, and my pen. May I never offend (if avoidable) when delivering Your truth. Please teach me and guide me in delivering Your truth through holy exposition. And Father, please help me to control my conduct in everyday living so that some who see my life will be drawn to become more like Jesus. I have been neglectful here. Forgive me – for Jesus. Amen.

December 3

2 Corinthians 11:16 to 13:14; Romans 1:1-32

O Father, how much Paul loved the Corinthians. He unloaded everything that could be unloaded in order to reach these people who were apparently beset with wolves in their midst. And Paul’s language betrays that he is taking no chances. There is so much said about the dangers of sin (or maybe better said) – the evidence of “sin-indulged” over “sin-repented-of.” Paul is not tolerant of such indulgence among those in the house of faith. He assures that he will confront them, and I think he intimates it will be done by miraculous revelation. Even when he begins in Romans to systematically lay out the Gospel message, he first lays out his case for the inexcusable depravity of man. Personally, Father, I pray that You would keep me from any and all sexual immorality. By Your grace, I have lived in true repentance, but I know I only find strength in You. I am weak but You are strong. I do not take that lightly. Forgive me, cleanse me, empower me, and use me for Your glory, O Lord. Amen.

December 4

Romans 2:1 to 4:25

Faithful Father in heaven, everyone should have to read these 3 chapters with great care. And I think they should go into the reading with certain questions. Are we saved by works? Are we saved by God through works? Are we saved by grace through faith? Does faith inevitably produce good works that meet the demands of the Law? Does good works produce faith? Are we saved through works or faith? Is Paul’s teaching compatible with James’ teaching? Is faith a meritable action – in other words, is faith a work? Is faith employable by choice? Is a command to believe necessary? Are we given the command to believe? Would such a command be necessary if God caused belief to take place irresistibly? Father, these questions could of course go on, but hopefully the point is taken by any reader. These chapters are so clear. It amazes me Lord that anyone would twist these verses in such a way as to produce a Gospel of false love. Amen.

December 5

Romans 5:1 to 8:17

My Father, I suppose there is no more careful, vivid explanation of Your plan for mankind than here; and yet it is the one of the most popular areas of Scripture for people to twist to their destruction. I have known of those who use areas of this section as an excuse to sin. But this reading teaches just the opposite. Chapters 7 and 8 must be read together entirely. If this is done with care and understanding, it will lead to a greater clarity, a stronger motivation, and an unstoppable commitment to live according to the Spirit. Chapter 7 lets me know, Father, that if I live according to the Law, I have failed before I even get started, because the good intentions of my mind cannot override my sinful nature. In fact, my sinful nature gains strength when I do that. But Lord, if I live according to Your Spirit, I am no longer obligated by necessity; I am obligated by love and life. And this can overcome my sinful nature. There will be failures, but the overall practice will be righteousness, reflecting the new nature in Your Spirit – the Spirit of my Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

December 6

Romans 8:18 to 11:10

Sovereign Lord, Holy Father, all glory is Yours. No flesh can glory in Your presence. What a wondrous mystery it is that You so loved the world that You gave Your only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. We get so caught up in semantics, Father, as if we had achieved comprehension of the mystery of the eternal Godhead. You have given us what we need, and that which You gave us, I think was intended to bring us to bow – to surrender – long before any comprehension is reached. In other words, You made it possible for us to apprehend Your marvelous works, but I think comprehension may not even be possible in heaven by Your people, just as it is not now by the angels. We will always learn and always bow in humble amazement and quiet adoration. You are the Eternal Now and yet You interact intimately with those who have a past (with a beginning) and a future. And so, we yield and bow. Amen.

December 7

Romans 11:11 to 14:23

My Father, Your mercy is one of the most clearly visible attributes that we can imitate. And because we can, we must imitate this ultimate manifestation of Your love. Ironically, we are more inclined to imitate Your justice, as if we thought we were qualified. In our fallen condition, justice is what we deserve, not what we imitate. If we try to perform justice without mercy, it will look nothing like Your ways. As the verse says, so let me pray – may everything we do be done from faith. As I read, it seems Father, that everything comments on what is written immediately before. Such as the comment on sincere love – the next sentence commands to hate what is evil. People do not realize that loving one thing involves hating its opposite. But Father, it is noted in my heart that we must never hate those that are evil, but only their ways – the evil that works in them. For we were once the same when Christ died for us. Thank You Lord. Amen.

December 8

Romans 15:1 to 16:27; Acts 20:7-38

Father, thank You for Paul and the anointing You placed on his life, but also his writings. Thank You for this letter to the Romans. It clears up so many matters of theology and Christian living. And sometimes in the process of clearing up, we recognize that we are beholding a miracle of mystery and we marvel and bow. How great is Your Word! Paul encourages the unity of believers, whether Jew or Gentile. This is a worthy prayer, Lord: that the congregation, which I gather with would always be of one mind, one heart, and one voice; and that we might praise and glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. How wonderful You are, Father! Who could ever fathom such grace as that which flows from You? It sounds like You often changed Paul’s plans and Paul was apparently eager to respond when he believed it was Your will. And now he heads to imprisonment. Father, may I always be flexible, and realize that You know all my future. Blessed be Your Name. Amen.

December 9

Acts 21:1 to 23:11

Father, You are truly all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-present; transcending even time and space. We cannot comprehend truth, but somehow You give us the ability to apprehend. Thank You for Your Word that leads me to a stronger apprehension. Jesus told Paul to take courage. Everything that was taking place was in accordance with Your will, even the process of learning, which is simply the process of trying to do our will and being hindered or redirected to Your will. And the learning continues. It is often painful but always effective. When I consider the interaction of Paul with the people in the communities along the coast, and then those in Jerusalem, I am continually reminded that You are not bound by time and space. And this is the answer to how You can work everything according to Your purpose, while people still act according to their own will and remain responsible for their actions. It is simple and clear, but somehow elusive to the mind of flesh. Amen.

December 10

Acts 23:12 to 25:22

My Father, what is the central theme or point of this reading? Is it that Paul was being persecuted by the Jews he loved? Was it the testimony by Paul that he believed that which agreed with the Law and that is written in the Prophets? Or was it Paul’s inevitable appeal to Caesar under Your sovereign knowledge? Father, I think all these are strong points, especially that last one, but You already know what I am thinking in this regard. I am inclined to choose the phrase “he spoke about faith in Christ Jesus.” To me, Lord, this is what Paul was all about. This is what You told him he was all about from his mother’s womb. He was prepared for this and You told him he would have to testify of this before governors and kings. And so here we are with Your complete knowledge of even Your own interaction with those bound by space and time. Father, isn’t this the reason that we are all here – to lift Christ Jesus before the world that He might draw many to Him? May it be so. Amen.

December 11

Acts 25:23 to 28:10

My Father, my heart is open to You. My heart has been deceitfully wicked, but You have never been deceived – not for a minute. You knew me before my mother conceived and I became a living resident of her womb. You constructed me there in her body. As I drew nutrition from her, I drew grace from You. And so I have never surprised You even though I think I have grieved Your Spirit more than once, (meaning many times). When I consider the pollution that has surfaced in me, I relate well to the writer of the song, Amazing Grace. Another wretch has been rescued from the destruction of his ways. Father, as I read Paul’s speech to Agrippa and the others, I thought about the shyness he wrote about in other letters. He must have felt fear when he spoke or at least tentative. But he never backed down. He just entrusted himself to Your Spirit and proceeded with his task. Father, I also feel that a life lived otherwise, for me, would be a life cursed. So help me, Father, by Your Spirit. For Jesus, amen.

December 12

Acts 28:11-31; Ephesians 1:1 to 3:21

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, there are many notes in my mind as I read here. The pages are truly saturated with a heavenly grade of gold. The way the finale of Acts leads into the letter to the Ephesians is surprisingly smooth. In fact, the message of the Jews who were near (but becoming far off), and the Gentiles who were far off (becoming near), is a seamless message. Father, I still think the most significant phrase in the Book of Ephesians is the phrase “in Him.” There are no elect except those that are in Him. Of course, it could be argued that “by grace” is the significant phrase, but that is not a neglected phrase – just a misunderstood phrase. The phrase “in Him” is not so much misunderstood as it is neglected. But Father, these are merely thoughts, and unless the thoughts of me or anyone else (regarding the discourse in Ephesians) burst forth into the praises of Your goodness shown forth in our Lord Jesus Christ, then all debate is just a useless wasteland of babbling. Be hallowed today, Father. Amen.

December 13

Ephesians 4:1 to 6:24

Father, it ends “with an undying love” and yet such a love never ends. And of course, the reading today is best characterized by these final words. Paul is concerned almost entirely with the practical application of grace. In the lives of the believers this can only flow from an undying love for our Lord Jesus Christ. Father, the words of Paul are truly sobering. He makes it so clear that those who practice certain behaviors have no portion in the kingdom of Christ. Some call this salvation through works, but Paul calls it salvation through faith that works. Paul is clear, we are saved by grace through faith, never by works lest anyone should boast. But then he makes it clear that the employment of such faith will totally and forever change the true believer’s attitude about sin. Will he stumble? Sure. Will he fail at times? Sure. But love for You cannot coexist with love for evil. Father, this is sobering to me because I have failures. Forgive and deliver me, my Lord. Amen.

December 14

Colossians 1:1 to 4:18

My glorious Father, I know it is said and sung so much that many consider it trite, but Abba Father, Your grace is so amazing. I love You. Please work in me everything according to Your will and according to Your grace. I am weak but You are strong. Thank You, Jesus, my Savior and Lord. Forgive me and ground me and settle me with the peace that is gained by the blood You shed and the stripes You bore. Holy Father, I suppose the two words in this reading that fiercely grip my heart are “secret” and “if.” One is exhilarating and one is sobering, but both encourage me to always know that You are my refuge – my only victory. You have used Paul to relay many practical charges to the Colossians and to me, but oh the glory of Paul’s Song of the Sovereign Savior. And so Father, I pray for my children. Envelope them with the glorious grace and truth resident in this writing. For the glory of the Creator. Amen.

December 15

Philemon 1:1-25; Philippians 1:1 to 2:30

My Father in Heaven, my mind continues to be humored while my heart is warmed when I read Philemon. How Paul must have loved Onesimus. He seems to leave no stone unturned in insuring Onesimus’ restoration to Philemon and then (perhaps) eventually to Paul. I have the sense that Paul was writing the Philippians to thank them for an offering he received from them. He deals with another matter or two, but that is at least strongly implied. Father, it seems funny to me at times that I write each day as if I am trying to inform You. I know the idea of informing You is a very foolish one. But I do not like just making requests. And even though praise is a joy, there are times when I just want to visit. I know my words and tenor may seem foolish, but Father, thank You so much for listening and thank You for sharing Your thoughts with me. Father, may my attitude always be to serve sacrificially, and not to protect my own interests. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

December 16

Philippians 3:1 to 4:23; 1 Timothy 1:1 to 2:15

Dear Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. To my shame perhaps, Lord, I am drawn to talk to You about the final paragraph of this reading – about women teaching versus women being silent. I think it is to my shame because that seems to arouse emotions more than amazing verses like “this is good, and pleases God our Savior, Who wants all men to be saved and to come to [the] knowledge of the truth.” There are many others Lord, like my favorite, about Paul wanting to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings. I suppose the whole section could be summarized with one statement, “Become like Him in His death, and so attain to the resurrection from the dead.” It all boils down to living in and feeding from the Tree of Life. Sacrificially contributing to the wellbeing of the Body of Christ, and thereby contributing to our own health – that is the message. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. May this be our attitude – to reach the lost for Him. Amen.

December 17

1 Timothy 3:1 to 6:21

Blessed Lord, Holy Father, praise Your Name! All that You do – praise Your holy Name. And Father, be praised in Heaven and Earth; be exhalted as the God of all creation, and the Savior of the world. Praise be to You and all blessings and honor and glory and worship be to You forever. I am thankful that this letter from an elder to a younger servant has been preserved. It is so very practical and serves as a strong reminder that the Gospel of Grace is not a license to irresponsible behavior. Paul says to be discriminating regarding sinful behavior and holy servanthood, avoiding the former and caring for the latter. His instructions to Timothy imply that Timothy or someone he assigns should analyze the needs of a widow and insure that there is no family available to help and that she is behaving well. Thank You, Lord, for the clear words about caring for parents and other family when there is need. Thank You. Amen.

December 18

Titus 1:1 TO 3:15; 1 Peter 1:1 to 2:12

My wonderfully mysterious great God and Savior, be lifted and glorified this day. And may it be so, my Father, in me today. Paul shows to Titus a side of himself that many would say doesn’t exist. But it is here, and it is all about doing good. Dear Lord, it looks to me like – not only were Paul’s message and Peter’s message compatible, they were intensely compatible. I think at times they struggled with the each others content and context, but they seemed to have such a strong sense of the inspiration behind each. It actually seems that Paul, at times had to deal with those who would misunderstand his message of grace. Father, I think that may be the case in his letter to Titus. His letter was so intensely practical, and he was acutely repetitive about “doing good.” It boils down to this, “the grace of God…teaches us…to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age.” So help me God! For Christ – our Savior. Amen.

December 19

1 Peter 2:13 to 5:14; Jude 1:1-16

Dear Father in Heaven, I think it is time to communicate to those who truly believe in You – to say to them the importance of good behavior and to let them know that good behavior will then be the prelude to suffering. The Name of Christ has become a point of open slander in the society of the United States and in many other countries. There is a change in the air and Peter’s writing to those beginning to suffer under the Roman emperor’s persecution is exactly the message coming due today. Just as Peter wrote, we also must remember that Christ Himself will restore those that suffer and He will make them strong, firm, and steadfast. My Lord, Jude quietly reveals a proper attitude towards Christ that we should all emulate. He doesn’t display his brotherhood to Jesus according to the flesh but he doesn’t deny it either, showing he is the brother of James. He wants to primarily be recognized as a servant of Jesus Christ. May it be so, my Savior. Amen.

December 20

Jude 1:17-25; 2 Peter 1:1 to 3:18; 2 Timothy 1:1-18

My Father, what a contrast of colors You present in this reading – Peter and Paul, and then Jude somewhere between – their styles, not to mention their particular settings and circumstances that they wrote in. It seems Peter and Paul both knew about their approaching departure. In fact, Peter says You showed him. And I think You showed Paul many years before. I am just remembering when Jesus told Paul He would show him what things he would suffer. Paul’s words are so tender and yet so firm with Timothy. What a place Timothy held in his heart. It was Timothy and many others like him that were the future of the global spread of the Good News. Peter wrote many surprising things. One that warmed my heart was his recognition of the importance of growing in grace and knowledge, specifically, knowledge of Jesus Christ. His background of an uneducated fisherman (to me) just highlights more the importance of the knowledge he now emphasizes. May it be so, my Lord. Amen.

December 21

2 Timothy 2:1 to 4:22; Hebrews 1:1-14

Father in Heaven, as I approach the final pages of the Sacred Canon before me, I marvel at the shifting sands of my attention. The condition of my failing body and busy mind must be wrestled with continually. I am continually aware that the Holy Script before me is a living document, breathing out the Holy Spirit’s testimony of the Holy Son sent by the Holy Father. Paul wanted his books, but mostly, he wanted the Scriptures. Father, I can’t think of a phrase more sobering than “he loved this world.” Demas deserted Paul because Demas “loved this world.” What a testimony to have unknowingly shared with the world for thousands of years to come. It appears to me, Father, there are two kinds of “love the world” in the Bible. There is the kind that gives and the kind that gets. There is the kind that reaches into the world to rescue people out of the world, and then there is the kind that becomes part of the sinfulness, turning away from God. There is John 3:16, and there is 2 Timothy 4:10. Father, forgive us and keep us in Jesus. Amen.

December 22

Hebrews 2:1 to 6:20

My Father in Heaven, praises to Your Name, and praises to Your Son, Jesus. Holy Father, I want to visit the rest that I have in Jesus. He is the Lord of the Sabbath. He is my Sabbath rest. Ironically, Father, it is easy to be forgetful of that. Just as Adam went from tending the soil to toiling the soil, You have (by contrast) brought me from toiling to tending. I know this and I enjoy this; and yet sometimes I still have lapses in which the Kingdom work flows from a sense of necessity instead of from love. Of course, love produces a sense of necessity also, but it is necessity that rides high in a carriage of joy. It is not the type of necessity that hates the necessitator. My lapses are not so much falling away or practicing evil or works-salvation. It’s just that they briefly hint at such things and trouble me. But I know You are my rest. I love You, Jesus. I love You, Father. Forgive my lapses, and deliver me, for Your glory. Amen.

December 23

Hebrews 7:1 to 10:18

Merciful Father, it occurred to me today that the apostle Paul may have actually written this. I felt before that he had not, because it is not his writing style. But then I realized his brilliance and his audience and his purpose, and realized it may still be possible. He was truly a deep thinker. And even if it was Barnabus or Apollos as some say, I sure sense Paul’s influence. What a wonderful lesson the person of Melchisedek is. The king of righteousness and peace, without beginning or end – surely this is the perfect type of Christ. In fact, it is the type of Christ the God, because Christ the Man had a genealogy and a beginning, although He has no end. I have heard the argument well-made that this is more than just a type. This mysterious person is actually a theophany. I am surprised that the writer did not mention that the curtain into the Holy of Holies is gone – torn in two from top to bottom. Could this be his audience, which he deals with wisely, but boldly. I suppose it all boils down to Your inspiration anyway, my Lord. Maranatha – Jesus, my Lord. Amen.

December 24

Hebrews 10:14 to 12:29

My Father, how wonderful is the sound of those two words: my Father. There is so much conviction and encouragement for me personally in this reading. It is such a well-orchestrated finale to a strong discourse intended to strengthen those who were being persecuted. It seems many were neglecting the things that keep us strong in the faith, and losing sight of their reward in heaven, and even turning back into sin. This whole thing seems so 21^st Century, Lord. Such neglect and weak faith is rampant in our culture. The message of the saints of old no longer draws people. The wealth and comfort of our society is esteemed much more highly than the reproach of Christ. Indeed, there is a subtle and silent denial of Christ because of the fear of reproach. And tomorrow morning we will open presents after an uncomfortable pause to indulge a reading from Your Word about the birth of our Savior. Forgive us, Lord; lead us to stronger devotion and greater courage in sharing Jesus. Amen.

December 25

Hebrews 13:1-25; 1 John 1:1 to 3:24

Dear Father, I was so touched by the completeness of Hebrews 13. There is so much practical information and so much teaching of the great truths of Your attributes; as well as Christian living. All of this has a sense of correction to it, because (I suppose) that there is so much corruption of these truths by sleazy charlatans that have crept into the church and led astray those that are drawn by beacons of entertainment rather than beacons of the true Light, Jesus Christ. I suppose this all leads very well into the book of 1 John, because John is writing to warn the churches about those who are denying the divinity of Christ. Father, You make it so clear (through John) that when our actions do not match up with our words, it is because our words do not match up with reality. This is convicting to me. Father, I do not deny that You have worked miracles of grace in me and I praise You for it. But I ask forgiveness for neglect and worldliness. Father, please continue to fill me with Your Spirit and conform me to Jesus. Amen.

December 26

1 John 4:1 to 5:21; 2 John 1:1-13; 3 John 1:1-14; Revelation 1:1-20

God of Love, my Savior, the definition of love is perfectly defined in this reading as a whole. It is beautifully defined in 1 John 4:10, but it is not restricted to that verse, for the truth of that verse permeates – actually saturates – the entire reading. And the beauty of the love described is what is most often missed – in fact, avoided by the in those world. Father, I know I am commenting to You about Your Word and Your love. That seems silly, I suppose, because You need no information about such things. I on the other hand, desperately need all of the information I now share in prayer with You. And such sharing actually changes and informs me. It is a mysterious but effective plan that comes from Your heart. Father, the world’s version of love is twisted and false. It presents lust as love. It presents benevolence as love – benevolence that ignores (even denies) the greatest relief of suffering possible: salvation from sin – salvation from destruction – salvation from eternal damnation. To share a piece of bread or a warm blanket, while deliberately restricting from the Savior of one’s soul, seems the greatest evil of all; and to call it love is the ultimate deception. Amen.

December 27

Revelation 2:1 to 5:14

My Father, only two are worthy – indeed 3 are worthy; but here we see the Lord Almighty – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Here we see the Lamb slain and alive forevermore. And the 3 are one. How worthy are You, O God. I love You. You have changed everything in all of life. You have redeemed that which was dead. You make all things new in the creation and You make all things new in the soul of a man. Where there was no hope, there is blessed assurance. Where there was no faith, there is joy unspeakable! And it is all because You are holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, Who was and is and is to come. It is because only You could bring justice and mercy to bear upon mankind. It is truly all about the Lamb of God. Without Him, there could be no redemption and mercy would remain unseen; because You, O Lord, are just and righteous and true. And You show Your love, strong and righteous, to the seven churches. May we always know that such love is holy – not of this earth. Amen.

December 28

Revelation 6:1 to 10:11

My Father in Heaven, hallowed be Your Name. Such a reading should make all realize the full implications of Your holiness, and the true wickedness of mankind. This is where Your justice comes full circle, and yet Your mercy is never absent, because the marriage of justice and mercy in Your heart has no divorce ever. Father, there are two prayers provoked by this reading. One is a request for mercy to any family members who may not know You in salvation. And the other prayer is for me, that I might work with ever more boldness and wisdom within Your anointing to tell of Your love – to family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and so on. Father, I understand it is Your touch that saves and that we must always work within the patience provided by You. But I also know that many people just use the so-called “silent witness” concept as an excuse to avoid any rejection or embarrassment or conflict. It is a product of not living in your Spirit and in Your love. May it never be so with me, Lord. Amen.

December 29

Revelation 11:1 to 14:20

Sovereign Lord – amazing Father of Love, there are so many images that I do not understand, but there is a genre that is crystal clear. Father, first I see the spread of the Gospel of Grace. I see Your love and Your wrath, and I know which one I desire. And I see the Lamb – my Lord Who was slain for the sins of the world. My dear Lord, the sight of You will be so awesome – to those who love You, the greatest of all joys – to those who despise You, the greatest of all heartaches. Most of all, Father, I see Your sovereign hand over all. Every time I see the word “given” when referring to power or authority, I know it ultimately has its source in you, even though it may be more immediately actualized by a figure of evil. There is no power that did not originate with You, and all authority is allowed by You. You are not the author of evil, but such will not exist without Your allowance. And Your allowance is a mighty display of love, because it is that allowance that provides a genuine choice to man. Amen.

December 30

Revelation 15:1 to 18:24

You alone are holy, our Father in Heaven. I am most struck in this reading by the way You interpret many of the images. While many interpret the images in subjective and spiritual ways, You O Lord, translate them for us in very literal ways. This should sober all who read and believe. How could any saints read of such troubling plagues and the judgment and suffering to come; and not feel powerfully compelled toward the spread of the Gospel? Mothers should insure their children know Him. Fathers should affirm the mother’s words to the children, as well as reach their coworkers. Churches that have grown cold or sleepy should warm up and wake up and do all within their power to spread the Gospel. All the “giants” of benevolence who do not share the Gospel along with the physical care should suddenly be ashamed because they showed no true benevolence at all. Father, revive us and may we find our power in Your Spirit and in a flaming love for You. Amen.

December 31

Revelation 19:1 to 22:21

My Father, there is so much in this last reading about overcoming and the resultant rewards; as well as the antithesis of overcoming, which is shown in a listing of evil behavior. Those that do the things of the evil list are scheduled for the Lake of Fire, which is called the Second Death. Father, by default it appears that those in the Book of Life are not those who do the things on the “defeated” list, i.e. cowardly, unbelieving, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, idolaters and all liars. You make it so clear that these will end up in the Lake of Fire. Lord, I know that we are saved by grace through faith in the finished atonement provided to You by Jesus Christ through His death on the Cross – where He shed his blood for the sins of the world. But Your Word makes it overwhelmingly clear, the faith that saves is the same faith that overcomes. Many times in my walk with You I have not felt like an overcomer, but I know, Lord, it is a “heart thing” and in the end, I will be counted as an overcomer simply because of Christ. Maranatha! Amen.

Ó 2007 C. E. Briggs